BRM Official Blog

Diesel Power magazine provides professional diesel mechanics with in-depth examples of engine rebuilds. Do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) also read the world’s largest diesel magazine for tips, techniques, and recommendations about engine tool selection and use.

In an article entitled Rebuilding International’s 7.3L IDI Engine Heads and Crank, Diesel Power described what the author called “the key” to a good engine rebuild – the Flex-Hone® tool from Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM). These flexible cylinder hones impart an oil-retaining surface finish that promotes piston ring seating and sealing in big diesel engines like the International IDI.

Suzuki GS-550 motorcycles first hit the roads over 40 years ago. The bike’s original four-stroke engine was an air-cooled, 549-cc powerplant with dual overhead camshafts. The 674-cc Suzuki GS-650 eventually replaced the GS-550, but some bikers are still rebuilding Suzuki’s original engine blocks.

At Do the Ton, an on-line forum for motorcycle mechanics, a user described a GS-550 engine teardown and rebuild. Cylinder resizing requires rigid honing, but achieving an ideal final finish means using Flex-Hone® tools from Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM).

Slotted brake rotors contain machined grooves that help dissipate the heat that’s produced by braking. In racing, motorsports, and even regular driving, friction causes a layer of gas and dust to form between the brake pad and the brake rotor. Over time, this material transfer layer can impede performance. 

Slotted rotors help to reduce friction, but surface contact between pads and rotors eventually requires rotor resurfacing. For optimum brake performance, brake rotors require a non-directional or “basket weave” finish that’s free from deposits of brake pad material. 

To achieve this ideal finish, a do-it-yourself (DIY) mechanic recently tried the Flex-Hone® for Rotors tool from Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM). The racer who requested the resurfacing hadn’t heard of BRM’s rotor hone before, but the mechanic who used the tool gave it a thumbs-up. 

The Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM) Blog is ending the year by looking back at how we’ve helped readers find solutions to surface finishing challenges in 2017.

As a full-line manufacturer of flexible honing tools and industrial brushes, we’ve covered a variety of topics. Here are our Top 7 Blog Posts for the year.

Holman Parts Distribution of Pennsauken, New Jersey remanufactures car and truck engines. Known formerly as RMP Powertrain Solutions, this division of Holman Automotive Group, Inc. wanted to improve the quality of cylinder liners in rebuilt engines.

During a typical month, RMP was remanufacturing 1300 gasoline-powered engines made by Ford and Chrysler. The New Jersey company was using a rigid honing machine, but discovered some problems with the final finish. If these conditions weren’t corrected, engine damage could occur.

That’s when RMP asked Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM) about Flex-Hone® tools, a Made in the USA solution for cylinder surface finishing.

DSPORT magazine is a premiere publication for automotive enthusiasts who want to learn about the hottest cars, tools, and technologies.  As a regular service to its readers, DSPORT tests automotive tools to see if they perform as advertised.

For resurfacing brake rotors, BRM’s Flex-Hone® for Rotors tool promises a non-directional finish for lower harmonic vibrations and a quieter ride.

Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM) also claims that its rotor hone removes the accumulated brake pad glaze that contributes to squeaking and squealing in the first place.

When DSPORT magazine put the Flex-Hone® for Rotors to the test, writer Jun Chen captured the results of this rotor refurbishment project. Do-it-yourselfers (DIYers), brake technicians, and automotive mechanics will want to know the results.

Precision Stamping Company is one of the Midwest’s largest producers of deep-drawn stampings. Along with flat stampings and brackets, the Howell, Michigan (USA) company specializes in deep-drawn tubular products such as a spring cup that’s flared at the top and that contains stepped sections.

For fast, efficient deburring, Precision Stamping Co. uses a custom Flex-Hone® tool from Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM). Unlike a standard Flex-Hone®, this custom tool has stepped sections rather than a uniform diameter. Compared to thermal deburring, flexible honing delivers better results.

Fox Valley Metrology (FVM) calibrates handheld instruments that are used in the production of precision equipment. The Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based company operates an accredited calibration laboratory and repairs measurement instruments such as bore gages at customer locations.

To maintain the accuracy of these handheld instruments, FVM uses the Diamond Flex-Hone® tool to correct surface imperfections.Made in the USA by Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM), this diamond honing tool is ideal for deburring and surface-finishing cylinders made of harder materials. Compared to other technologies, flexible honing is also faster and less expensive.    

Deburring cross-drilled holes can be an expensive, difficult, and time-consuming operation. Without proper cross-hole deburring, however, part misalignments can occur. Personnel who handle these machined metal parts also face the risk of injury from ragged edges, raised areas, and sharp surfaces.

For fast, efficient, and effective cross-hole deburring, part manufacturers and machinists trust the Flex-Hone® tool. Made in the USA by Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM), the Flex-Hone® removes burrs from cross-drilled holes and improves cylinder surface finish at the same time.

The BRM Flex-Hone® requires no special training or instruction, but there are some best practices to follow on your way to surface finishing success.

Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM), maker of the Flex-Hone® tool, recently introduced a new line of standard metalworking products for hard-to-finish materials. CBN Flex-Hone® tools use cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasive for deburring, edge blending, and surface finishing cylinders made of high-nickel alloy steels. Applications include aerospace components and medical device manufacturing.

Previously, CBN Flex-Hone® tools were available by special order only. Now that these surface finishing solutions are part of BRM’s standard product line, there’s a new brochure available for download. CBN Flex-Hone® tools demonstrate BRM’s commitment to solving metalworking challenges, but what else do you need to know about these flexible hones?